The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.

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It's time to give that important presentation, speech, or interview. You're an expert in your field, but will what you say be remembered the next day?

In my many years working as a journalist at CNBC, BusinessWeek, WABC-TV and WNBC-TV in New York, I found that many C-level executives lack the ability to connect with their audience and emphasize what is important.

There are three basic components to any presentation: the presenter, the audience, and the message.

First, to believe in the message, the audience must first believe in you, the presenter. Start with a personalized story from your past that also relates to the message.

Second, the audience may forget much of what you say, but they will not forget how you made them feel. Make eye contact with the audience and speak from the heart.

Third, a memorable message must emphasize no more than three simple points. Everything you say must relate to the three main points.

As James Humes, a speechwriter for five Presidents, once said, "The art of communication is the language of leadership." If you want to be a leader, you must be a presenter that connects with the audience and delivers a memorable message.

My passion to teach these principles has led me to Molloy College, where I created the Molloy Business Channel to help college students get a head start on the communication skills that will make them leaders.